Patent Application
20080305303
This invention relates to the field of labels, and more specifically to labels for applying to file folders, folder tabs, and other stock members.
In many document filing systems, labels are applied to file folders so that the label is located along an edge of one of the folder tabs. The labels are readily visible when the file folders are stored in cabinets or on shelves.
When the labeled folders are put in drawers or on a shelf it is desirable for all the indicia on each label to align from one folder to the next. This is so that when thousands of files are being labeled and stored, any misfiles can be instantly caught by sight. For such a system to work efficiently, the labels must be consistently aligned and the information on each label readily observable.
The application of the labels to the folder tab, however, is problematic. This is because a single user and/or multiple users cannot consistently align or fold each label onto each folder in an exact position so that the correct portion of the label is on each side of the folder tab consistently. Moreover, a user may need to change or replace a label on a folder since the information on the label needs to be updated. However, placing a new label over the label already on the folder may cause the old label to partially show through the new label and make it hard to read the new label.
Accordingly, for these reasons and others, a label and method providing for ease of placement, alignment, and readability have been developed. An exemplary label includes a first layer having a first label surface adapted to being printed on and a second layer on a second surface of the first layer. The second layer includes two or more sections, wherein between each of the two or more sections is a gap, each gap defining a fold-line section in the first layer. The second layer covers substantially all of the bottom surface of the first layer except for the fold-line section.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a label having a first layer and a second layer. The second layer includes at least two sections separated by a gap which is discernible through the first layer.
Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of applying a label to an edge of a stock member. The method includes applying a first portion of the label to a first side of the edge of the stock member, folding the label along a weakened fold-line running along a surface of the label, and applying the second portion of the label to a second side of the edge of the stock member.
Among other advantages, the present invention provides a label and method for assisting a user in quickly and consistently applying and aligning labels.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also noted that “first,” “second,” “top,” and “bottom” and the like are to be taken in the context of the description and the Figures and are not be taken in an absolute limiting sense.
The description herein will discuss a label form and the application of a label to a file folder. However, it is to be understood that the discussion is merely exemplary and is not meant to limit the use of the exemplary labels to document storage file folders and the like, and that many other uses and applications are within the scope of the present invention.
First layer 110 is a label member which, in one embodiment, has a top surface 111 adapted to being printed on and a second surface 112 having an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, applied thereon. First layer 110 also includes a foldable section or fold-line section 115 which is generally located between a first label portion 116a and a second label portion 116b. As will be discussed below, the relative sizes of the portions 116a and 116b of layer 110 can be varied, and thus, the location of foldable section 115 can be anywhere along first layer 110.
In this embodiment, first layer 110 is a light-colored label material which is at least partially translucent so as to permit light to be seen through it. By way of example, but not limitation, such colors include white, yellow, blue, or other light colors. In some embodiments, first layer is a dark color material or a dark color material having a lighter section, as will be discussed below. Layer 110 can be made from a variety of materials such as paper, vinyl, or other plastic composite material.
In the exemplary embodiment, second layer 120 is a label member which includes a first side 123 attached to side 112 of first layer 110. In one embodiment, side 123 includes an adhesive for being attached to side 112. In other embodiments, as discussed above, the adhesive is on the first layer 110. A second side 124 of layer 120 is removably attached to a backing layer or backing member 130. The surface of side 124 has an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, for applying label 100 to a stock member, such as a folder (see
In the exemplary embodiment, second layer 120 includes two sections, 121a and 121b, having at least a partial gap or section 122 therebetween. In some embodiments, as will be discussed below, layer 120 includes more than two sections and more than one gap. In this embodiment, gap 122 is a section in the second layer where there is complete separation between the two sections 121a and 121b of the second layer. However, in some embodiments, gap 122 may only partially separate the two sections. For instance, gap 122 may only run a partial distance along layer 120 so that sections 121a and 121b are partially connected and partially disconnected. In other embodiments, gap 122 may be a series of perforations, notches, or other partial or complete discontinuity in second layer 120. Thus, the term gap is to be taken as a portion of second layer 120 where there is some discontinuity in the layer.
In one embodiment, second layer 120 is made of a material which is darker or more opaque than the first layer 110. In one embodiment, it is a security label material. In other embodiments, by way of illustration and not limitation, second layer 120 may be black, brown, dark blue, green, or other color or opaque material which permits less light through it than layer 110.
In some embodiments, instead of a discrete material, second layer 120 is a pigment or paint applied directly to the bottom of first layer 110 with gap 122 being defined by where there is a discontinuity of pigment in bottom layer 120 or where a lighter pigment is applied to the bottom of layer 110.
In one embodiment, gap 122 is established by a change in the translucency or color of layer 120. For instance, instead of sections 121a and 121b, layer 120 can include a single strip with a more translucent portion left as the gap. In other embodiments, as noted above, gap 122 is a narrow strip, a series of perforations, a scored or notched line, or other feature which provides for ease of bending and/or allows a user to visually see where the fold-line is, as will be discussed below.
The gap 122 in second layer 120 defines or establishes where fold-line section 115 is in the top layer. In one embodiment, the gap provides that first layer 110 naturally folds along fold-line section 115 when a folding force is applied to label 101. This means that the label is has a tendency to fold on fold-line section 115 when pressure is applied to the label. In other words, without being specifically manipulated by the user, the label automatically bends or creases along the weakened foldable section. Among other advantages, this provides that any user of a label such as label 101 will always fold the label consistently when applying it to a stock member such as a folder, an index tab, an envelope, or other item being labeled. It also helps ensure that each label will have a consistent placement on the stock member and it helps ensure that each label will have a neat and consistent appearance.
In the exemplary embodiment, the second layer 120 covers substantially all of the bottom surface 112 of first layer 110 except for fold-line section 115. This provides that the label will not bend except at the pre-determined fold-line section 115.
Moreover, if the second layer is a dark or opaque material, such as a security label, the label can be put over an old label and the old label will not show through the new one. This provides for a quick way to update file information without having to redo a whole new file folder.
In the embodiment of
To apply label 101, a user removes label 101 from backing member 130. The fold-line is visible because of the contrasting layers. After being aligned, the first portion of the label is applied to the front of tab 304. When the user starts to apply a folding pressure such as applying pressure on the edges of the label or using a folding motion, the presence of gap 122 between portions 121a and 121b cause the label to fold along line 115. The second portion of the label is then folded over the edge of tab 304 and applied to the other side of the tab so that the final result looks like the labeled folder 301 of
In one embodiment, each label member of layer 810 is attached to at least two sections of second layer 820. Each of the one or more label members of layer 810 includes perimeter edge 831 which matches an edge of the at least two sections attached to the label member. As noted above (see
In various embodiment, the labels can be pre-printed, or blank and printed by the user. Advantageously, in the present embodiment, the first layer and the backing member each comprise a substantially planar surface, wherein the substantially planar surfaces are substantially parallel to one another. This provides ease of use in a printer since no raised edges can get caught in the printer.
In other embodiments of the present invention, more or fewer fold-lines can be provided than shown in the exemplary embodiments, depending on the application. Moreover, the shape of the fold-lines can be varied. For instance, gaps such as gap 122 can be other shapes that provide for use on odd shaped folders. For instance, a gap can be contoured to correspond to the contour of an end-tab folder, to provide for physical and visual guidance in applying the label.
When labeled folders are put in drawers or on a shelf it is desirable for all the indicia on each label to align from one folder to the next. However, it is often difficult to apply each label correctly so it is consistent with the other labels. Typically, a single user and/or multiple users cannot consistently align or fold each label onto each folder in an exact position so that the correct portion of the label is on each side of the folder tab consistently. Moreover, a user may need to change or replace a label on a folder since the information on the label needs to be updated. However, placing a new label over the label already on the folder may cause the old label to partially show through the new label and make it hard to read the new label.
Accordingly, for these reasons and others, a label and method providing for ease of placement, alignment, and readability have been developed. An exemplary label includes a first layer having a top surface adapted to being printed on and a second layer proximate to the bottom surface of the first layer. The second layer includes two or more sections having a gap therebetween. Each gap in the second layer defines a fold-line section in the first layer. The second layer covers substantially all of the bottom surface of the first layer except for the fold-line section. Another aspect provides a label having a first layer and a second layer attached to the first layer and having at least two sections separated by a gap, the gap being discernible through the first layer. Among other advantages, the present invention provides a label and method for assisting a user in quickly and consistently applying and aligning labels so that each label will be applied quickly, consistently, and with the same alignment as the labels applied before and after.
It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fall scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 09690667 | Oct 2000 | US |
| Child | 12191575 | US |
